Ronni Chasen: A Life Celebrated

Over 500 guests at Hillside Memorial Park overflowed the chapel to celebrated the life of this veteran publicist.

Family, friends and colleagues shared moments, amid tears and laughter, that were a reminder of Ronni’s trademark professionalism, passion and wry sense of humor.

Speakers included Chasen’s brother, director Larry Cohen, who shared anecdotes about his little companion. He recalled Ronni’s first brush with celebrity was a a young girl when Ronni met and shook hands with movie cowgirl Dale Evans at Madison Square Garden. Ronni enthusiastically told everyone on the subway ride home “I touched the Queen of the West!” Recalls Cohen.

Cohen also shared that when Ronni was asked what she wanted to do when she grew up, she said she wanted to throw parties, and she did.

Ronni Chasen was shot last week in Beverly Hills while coming home from a premiere after-party for “Burlesque." There have been no arrests and Beverly Hill police remain quiet about the ongoing investigation

At the service, there were not only stories of Ronni’s dedication and love for family and showbiz, guests were also cautioned about unauthorized individuals soliciting donations in her name, even posing for media as intimate friends of the late publicist.

Friends and family were asked to refrain from supporting such self-serving efforts. There is only one fund, the Tower Cancer Research Foundation, to which the family has requested donations be made in lieu of flowers.

Ronni Chasen was remembered as a loving and devoted friend, sister and daughter but also, in the words of producer Lili Fini Zanuck: "She was the real deal."